If you happen to ride a Harley Davidson motorcycle, then there is no doubt you know why these motorcycles are considered to be the best in the world.

But, alas, all motorbikes have some drawbacks and I suppose one of the main appeals of owning a Harley Davidson bike is the noise. They are one of the loudest vehicles that you can get your hands on. There is no mistaking that growl. So it begs the question, why on earth have Harley Davidson created an electric motorcycle?

Well, you already knew the answer)

Project LiveWire Experience

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With its all-electric,prototype motorcycle that goes from zero to 60 mph in less than four seconds - Harley is aiming to shake up the electric motorcycle game and attract new riders.

"Project LiveWire reinforces the brand and its dimension," said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson's chief marketing officer. "It's really about reinvention. We are taking what is great about America and about Harley-Davidson and we are moving it forward."

Richer rode the electric bike Monday when it was unveiled at an invitation-only event in New York.

UBS analyst Robin Farley said Harley's decision to move into the space is about building buzz for its brand. He said the new electric category won't add to revenues for the largest motorcycle maker, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Customer feedbacks

Fans had a mixed reaction to the bike.

"Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar - not an electric car," said Mark-Hans Richer, senior vice president at Harley-Davidson Motor Company.

"It's an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric. Project LiveWire is a bold statement for us as a company and a brand."

The bike can go 130 miles before it needs charging and will offer riders a top speed of 92mph (148km/h). Recharges will take between 30 minutes to an hour.

Not everyone likes silence

Initial feedback from the Harley-Davidson Riders Club suggested a degree of cynicism.

Dave Scott said: "It looks ok but I'd need a real engine in it."

While member Dazzlin asked how safe it would be: "For an electric bike it has a good look, but I can't help think a silent bike is a recipe for disaster on our ever increasingly busy roads".

In a teaser video released by the firm a motorcycle is seen driving down Route 66 almost without noise.

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Growing popularity

Purpose-built electric bicycles are becoming hugely popular. In China 25 million are sold each year, according to Prof Peter Wells, co-director of the automotive industry research group at Cardiff Business School.

The market for an electric Harley will be more "niche" he said but it is unsurprising that the firm is jumping on the bandwagon.

"We are moving toward zero emissions cities and motorbike manufacturers, like car manufacturers have to go that way," he said.

"In an ideal world I expect that they want it to go faster and further than it will."

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